Meissen Porcelain Inkstand – “Yellow Lion”

This Meissen porcelain inkstand features a rectangular tray with a raised edge, decorated with a colorful scene of tigers, birds, and flowering branches. The tray holds a cylindrical inkwell and sander, each adorned with floral motifs. The inkwell and sander are also decorated with the same tiger and bird scene as the tray. The pattern derives from Japanese Kakiemon porcelain. It was known at Meissen as the ‘yellow lion’ pattern though it in fact features a tiger. The pattern was reserved for use at court, although yellow lion wares were also made as diplomatic gifts.